Checkerboard Wrasse
(Halichoeres hortulanus)

Descrição

The common name for *Halichoeres hortulanus* is the Checkerboard Wrasse. It is also sometimes referred to as the Fourspot Wrasse or Marble/Hortulanus Wrasse.

**Overview on appearance & behaviour:**
The Checkerboard Wrasse is a vibrant and active fish, known for its striking coloration that changes with age. Juveniles typically display a white or silvery body with black and dark red vertical patches, and a yellow-edged black spot on the dorsal fin. As they mature, they develop a distinctive white to greenish body with a blue to black checkerboard pattern on each scale. Their head is often green with irregular pink-orange stripes, and they feature a bright yellow spot near the dorsal fin. These wrasses are typically found near the bottom in sand patches of lagoons and seaward reefs, where they actively forage for food. They are known to bury themselves in the sand for sleep or when startled, requiring a deep sand bed in the aquarium. They are generally peaceful but can be aggressive towards similar-looking fish if not given adequate space. This species is protogynous, meaning individuals begin as females and can transition to males upon maturity.

**Care Level:**
The Checkerboard Wrasse is considered to have a moderate to intermediate care level due to its size, specific tank requirements, and sensitive nature during acclimation. While generally peaceful, they can show aggression towards similar species or other wrasses if the tank is not large enough. They are often considered reef-safe with caution, as larger specimens may prey on smaller ornamental shrimp and crabs, and they may move corals while foraging.

**Tank Essentials:**
A minimum tank size of 90 gallons (approximately 340 litres) to 125 gallons (approximately 473 litres) is recommended for a Checkerboard Wrasse due to their active nature and potential adult size. A tightly fitting lid is essential as these wrasses are known jumpers. A sand bed of at least 5 cm (2 inches) is crucial, allowing them to bury themselves for sleep or security. Ideal water parameters include a temperature range of 24.8-29°C (72-78°F) and a pH range of 8.1-8.4.

**Diet:**
The Checkerboard Wrasse is carnivorous, primarily feeding on hard-shelled invertebrates in their natural habitat, such as molluscs, crustaceans, and sea urchins. In an aquarium, their diet should consist of a variety of meaty foods, including vitamin-enriched frozen mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and other high-quality marine flake and pellet foods. They are also known to consume nuisance pests like flatworms and pyramid snails.

**Origin:**
The Checkerboard Wrasse is native to the tropical and subtropical waters of the Indo-Pacific, with a wide distribution from the Red Sea to South Africa, and eastward to the central Pacific Ocean, including the Great Barrier Reef and southern Japan.

**Lifespan:**
The lifespan of the Checkerboard Wrasse is [data unavailable].

**Swimming Zone:**
The Checkerboard Wrasse is typically found swimming in the mid to bottom regions of the aquarium, actively exploring and foraging among the substrate and rockwork.

Checkerboard Wrasse: A Living Canvas for Your Reef

Add a captivating splash of color and activity to your larger marine aquarium with the stunning Checkerboard Wrasse. Watch its vibrant patterns and engaging behaviors unfold.

Overview
The Checkerboard Wrasse (*Halichoeres hortulanus*) captivates with its evolving beauty. Juveniles feature striking black and white bands, while adults boast a distinctive white to greenish body with a checkerboard pattern of blue to black on each scale. Their head is often adorned with green and pink lines, complemented by a vibrant yellow spot near the dorsal fin. These active wrasses are constantly foraging, bringing lively movement to your tank as they explore the substrate.

Care Level
This species requires an intermediate care level. While generally peaceful, the Checkerboard Wrasse can become territorial with similar wrasses if not given ample space. They are considered reef-safe with caution; larger individuals may opportunistically prey on small ornamental invertebrates like shrimp or crabs, and they are known to rearrange corals while searching for food.

Tank Essentials
A mature marine aquarium of at least 473 litres (125 gallons) is recommended to accommodate the Checkerboard Wrasse’s active nature and adult size. A secure, tight-fitting lid is crucial to prevent escapes, as they are known jumpers. Provide a minimum 5 cm (2 inches) deep sand bed for burrowing, which is essential for their resting and hiding.

Diet
As carnivores, Checkerboard Wrasses primarily feed on benthic invertebrates in their natural habitat. In your aquarium, offer a varied diet of vitamin-enriched frozen mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and other high-quality meaty foods, supplemented with marine flake and pellet foods. They are also beneficial for consuming common aquarium pests like flatworms.

Why Buy From Us
When you choose to buy Checkerboard Wrasse online from us, you’re investing in healthy aquarium fish. We prioritize ethical sourcing and responsible quarantine practices, ensuring each specimen is robust and ready to thrive in your home. Our commitment extends to humane shipping, delivering vibrant fish directly to your door, ready for careful acclimation.

• Scientific Name: *Halichoeres hortulanus*
• Common Name / Variant: Checkerboard Wrasse
• Maximum Size: 27 cm
• Origin: Indo-Pacific
• pH Range: 8.1–8.4
• Temperature: 24.8–29°C
• Lifespan: [data unavailable]
• Swimming Zone: Mid | Bottom

Bring the captivating Checkerboard Wrasse to your aquarium today!